The Solid Waste Division (SWD), Recycling and Environmental Services Section (RES) is looking for a motivated individual for the planning, development, and execution of a SWD circular economy program. This position will be a Project/Program Manager III classification.
This is your opportunity to make a difference in your community and to create lasting impacts that benefit the citizens of King County and our precious environment. This position will contribute to implementing innovative and strategic efforts that will advance safety, human and environmental health, inclusive and equitable practices and zero waste of resources in King County. You will be part of a group that works to make positive institutional changes to better serve the public and provide greater benefits to our community.
In addition to filling the current vacancy, we may use this recruitment to create a list of candidates for any potential vacancies in similar positions within the next 12 months.
About this Role:
The role requires strong innovation skills and coordinates with multiple stakeholders, analysis, research, planning and policy development and contract management, all aimed at strengthening markets for recycled materials and diverting material from disposal, in line with SWD’s strategic goals. Work is performed independently and in close coordination with other program managers and the RES Supervisor/Manager. The position plays an important role in shaping and delivering SWD plans and programs that will move the region to a more circular, low-carbon and equitable future for all. This position performs work remotely and onsite.
About the Team:
The King County Solid Waste Division (KCSWD) is responsible for the public solid waste system that serves the people and communities of unincorporated King County and most cities within King County. KCSWD is the lead King County Agency for delivering Zero Waste of Resources (ZWoR) goal for the region, which will reduce valuable materials sent to the landfill by up to 70%. KCSWD operates the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, ten transfer facilities, nine closed landfills, and many programs to design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use and regenerate natural systems.
The Recycling and Environmental Services (RES) Section leads the Division’s efforts on prevention, reuse, recycling, product stewardship/EPR, policy, market development, environmental stewardship, the circular economy, Re+, green building, household hazardous waste collection, school education, grant program management, and resource recovery, waste stream integrity, and several compliance programs including on waste stream compliance & enforcement.
Opportunity to Learn More: We invite you to join an MS Teams Meeting Open House to learn more about this position. A current supervisor from the RES section will be available to describe the work culture and job duties and there will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions. We will hold this event on Wednesday, February 21st from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. To participate in the meeting, Click here to join the meeting. To join audio-only, please dial 425-653-6586 and use the Meeting ID: 494 511 107#
If you are unable to join the Open House at the above time, we will have a second session on Thursday, February 29th, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. To participate in the meeting, Click here to join the meeting. To join audio-only, please dial 425-653-6586 and use the Meeting ID: 295 627 639#
Commitment to Equity Racial and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Circular Economy Program Manager, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.
Job Duties
What You Will Be Doing:
- Implement the RE+ plan, fast-start initiatives and other programs that support SWD plans and goals.
- Coordinate RES Re+ project implementation and planning.
- Coordinate RES King County Strategic Climate Action Planning and program development.
- Coordinate RES King County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management planning.
- Manage the Circular Economy Contract procurement, negotiation, and ongoing administration.
- Provide in-depth program management to sustain current markets and develop new markets for recycled products with a focus on compost, other organics, paper, plastic, and other materials as appropriate.
- Manage the NextCycle Renew Seed Grant process and awards.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Qualifications You Bring:
- Demonstrated experience with environmental program management, planning, technical assistance and/or education including garbage and recycling, climate, circular economy, market development, or product stewardship.
- Expertise in/willingness to learn state and county solid waste and recycling regulations and garbage, recycling and organics collection systems.
- Experience in developing public policies to support the advancement of environmental goals.
- Ability to represent SWD on recycling subject matter in meetings with advisory groups and other public forums.
- Ability to apply equity and social justice practices to work items, in particular familiarity with the King County Equity Impact Review process.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience of financial systems relevant to public agencies.
- Demonstrated skills in managing projects involving multi-agency teams and developing effective networks to accomplish program goals.
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships and partnerships with a variety of partners, stakeholders, and interest groups, including, but not limited to various county and/or state agencies, organizations, and associations.
- Demonstrated ability to work with various project teams to achieve results within specified deadlines.
- Ability to successfully work with multidisciplinary teams, matrix-based organizational structures, and coalitions.